Some Wild Mountain Driving

WHERE ARE WE? The Pads, Death Valley California

When we woke up this morning we almost had to shake the ice off to get out of bed.  No I'm kidding, it was warm with the furnace on.

When we pulled back the front curtains this is what we saw.  We were aware that a couple vehicles were shuffling around in the nice big parking lot we were in, after we went to bed.  Well Patsy!! We were surprised.  Now this would be something to whine about on the blog. lol.  Not to mention that a van had pulled in right beside the jeep at the back end late but he left early so no picture.

Well they were actually a nice young couple who just didn't know any better.  So we waved and smiled and Archie and I went off on a walk.  A nice park and a museum right across the road.  The museum was closed for the year.  Some lady had built an upside down house in the early 1900's and the museum took it over.  It was locked so I didn't see inside.

We had discussed the fact that we were going by the east gate of Yosemite National Park.  After some research last night we decided that all the interesting stuff was to the west on the other side of the Sierra Mountains so decided to just drive on by.  The mountains themselves are beautiful and we are happy just with the drive.  Sorry Yosemite Sam!!!

We headed south for an hour or so and then came to Highway 136 that will take us through the Death Valley to Pahrump.  We stopped at the info center for some information and they were having trouble with wasps invading the place.  They were big ugly ones too, but lots were dead from them spraying them.  

Well it was time to clear out of there!!  So off we went.  When I saw the sign I immediately said a little prayer quoting Psalm 23.  I hoped that no harm would come to us as we travelled through.  

We travelled along a nice quiet highway for quite a few miles.  The highway was smooth and very relaxing.  

Well not for long.  We came to some road construction and the guy said we would have to follow a pilot truck down the mountain because the shoulders were in bad shape in lots of spots.  I asked how far and he said all the way to the bottom which is 5000 feet of 6 and 7% grade in 8 miles.  WOW!!!  This was what it looked like on a map.

So off we went.  We stayed under 40 mph and lots of curves were 25 mph and there were lots of curves.  Percy handled the braking really well and after an eternity, we made it to the valley bottom.

Archie was even a little worried and hid under Sues feet.  

Well we made it to the bottom unscathed but it wasn't over.  About a 5 mile valley to cross and up the other side we went back up to 5000 feet which only took about 8 miles and then down to 200 feet BELOW sea level in another 12 miles.  Well that was enough of mountains for a long time.  We had come a long way down the coast though all kinds of mountains but todays drive takes the cake.  I will never again fear mountain driving because they can't get much worse.  Although I did see a sign on a side road that said 26% grade!!!  Thats almost straight up!!  Well we needed a place for the night and we are in good old boondocking country.  We had come by here a couple years ago with the Jeep and saw these pads where there used to be an RV park.  People now boondock at the spot so thats where we went.  Its just a big gravel area with a bunch of cement pads.  Archie is enjoying getting used to the desert again.  He does shy away from the cactus.  The sunset over the mountain was nice but not great tonight.  

Here is where we travelled today.  

Well I will sleep good tonight.  We have a good spot for the night.  Good Nite!!